Effects Of Long-term Supplementation Research Articles

Adherence to Gluten-Free Diet Restores Alpha Diversity in Celiac People but the Microbiome Composition Is Different to Healthy People

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease with the destruction of small intestinal villi, which occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. At the present moment, a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only way to restore the functionality of gut mucosa. However, there is an open debate on the effects of long-term supplementation through a GFD, because some authors report an unbalance in microbial taxa composition. Methods: For microbiome analysis, fecal specimens were collected from 46 CD individuals in GFD for at least 2 years and 30 specimens from the healthy controls (HC). Data were analyzed using an ensemble of software packages: QIIME2, Coda-lasso, Clr-lasso, Selbal, PICRUSt2, ALDEx2, dissimilarity-overlap analysis, and dysbiosis detection tests. Results: The adherence to GFD restored the alpha biodiversity of the gut microbiota in celiac people but microbial composition at beta diversity resulted as different to HC. The microbial composition of the CD subjects was decreased in a number of taxa, namely Bifidobacterium longum and several belonging to Lachnospiraceae family, whereas Bacteroides genus was found to be more abundant. Predicted metabolic pathways among the CD bacterial communities revealed an important role in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. Conclusions: CD patients in GFD had a non-dysbiotic microbial composition for the crude alpha diversity metrics. We found significant differences in beta diversity, in certain taxon, and pathways between subjects with inactive CD in GFD and controls. Collectively, our data may suggest the development of new GFD products by modulating the gut microbiota through diet, supplements of vitamins, and the addition of specific prebiotics.

Effect of Long-Term Supplementation with Acetic Acid on the Skeletal Muscle of Aging Sprague Dawley Rats

Mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, which plays an essential role in oxidative capacity and physical activity, declines with aging. Acetic acid activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a key role in the regulation of whole-body energy by phosphorylating key metabolic enzymes in both biosynthetic and oxidative pathways and stimulates gene expression associated with slow-twitch fibers and mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells. In this study, we investigate whether long-term supplementation with acetic acid improves age-related changes in the skeletal muscle of aging rats in association with the activation of AMPK. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were administered acetic acid orally from 37 to 56 weeks of age. Long-term supplementation with acetic acid decreased the expression of atrophy-related genes, such as atrogin-1, muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), activated AMPK, and affected the proliferation of mitochondria and type I fiber-related molecules in muscles. The findings suggest that acetic acid exhibits an anti-aging function in the skeletal muscles of aging rats.

Effect of Long-Term Supplementation With Silkworm Pupae Oil on the Methane Yield, Ruminal Protozoa, and Archaea Community in Sheep.

Supplementation with lipids and oils is one of the most efficient strategies for reducing enteric methane emission. However, high costs and adverse impacts on fiber degradation restrict the use of conventional oils. Silkworm pupae, a non-conventional oil source rarely used for human consumption in India, could be one of the cheaper alternatives for methane mitigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect on sheep of long-term supplementation (180 days) of silkworm pupae oil (SWPO) with two distinct supplementation regimes (daily and biweekly) on daily enteric methane emission, methane yield, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminal archaea community composition, and protozoal population. The effect of the discontinuation of oil supplementation on enteric methane emission was also investigated. Eighteen adult male sheep, randomly divided into three groups (n = 6), were provisioned with a mixed diet consisting of 10.1% crude protein (CP) and 11.7 MJ/kg metabolizable energy formulated using finger millet straw and concentrate in a 55:45 ratio. SWPO was supplemented at 2% of dry matter intake (DMI) in test groups either daily (CON) or biweekly (INT), while no oil was supplemented in the control group (CTR). DMI (p = 0.15) and CP (p = 0.16) in the CON and INT groups were similar to that of the CTR group; however, the energy intake (MJ/kg) in the supplemented groups (CON and INT) was higher (p < 0.001) than in CTR. In the CON group, body weight gain (kg, p = 0.02) and average daily gain (g, p = 0.02) were both higher than in the CTR. The daily methane emission in the CON (17.5 g/day) and INT (18.0 g/day) groups was lower (p = 0.01) than the CTR group (23.6 g/day), indicating a reduction of 23–25% due to SWPO supplementation. Similarly, compared with the CTR group, methane yields (g/kg DMI) in test groups were also significantly lower (p < 0.01). The transient nature of the anti-methanogenic effect of SWPO was demonstrated in the oil discontinuation study, where daily methane emission reverted to pre-supplementation levels after a short period. The recorded methanogens were affiliated to the families Methanobacteriaceae, Methanomassilliicoccaceae, and Methanosarcinaceae. The long-term supplementation of oil did not induce any significant change in the rumen archaeal community, whereas minor species such as Group3b exhibited differing abundance among the groups. Methanobrevibacter, irrespective of treatment, was the largest genus, while Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii was the dominant species. Oil supplementation in CON and INT compared with CTR decreased (p < 0.01) the numbers of total protozoa (× 107 cells/ml), Entodiniomorphs (× 107 cells/ml), and Holotrichs (× 106 cells/ml). SWPO continuous supplementation (CON group) resulted in the largest reduction in enteric methane emission and relatively higher body weight gain (p = 0.02) in sheep.

Fragrant rapeseed oil consumption prevents blood cholesterol accumulation via promoting fecal bile excretion and reducing oxidative stress in high cholesterol diet fed rats

• Long-term effect of three rapeseed oils fed in hypercholesterolemic rats was tested. • Fragrant rapeseed oils lowered plasma cholesterol and boosted fecal bile acid efflux. • Fragrant rapeseed oils altered liver redox status and increased EPA and DHA output. • Such beneficial impact probably owed to high α-linolenic acid and polyphenols levels. We investigated the compositional changes and effects of long-term supplementation on blood lipids in three rapeseed oils [refined (RO), roasted at 120 °C (FO-120) and roasted at 150 °C (FO-150)]. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a basal diet or one of five high-cholesterol diets comprising lard, lard with cholestyramine, or three rapeseed oils for 12 weeks. Results showed that FO-120 and FO-150 alleviated plasma total cholesterol and increased fecal bile acid excretion, but RO had no significant effect. In the liver, cholesterol synthesis and conversion mRNA expression were altered by FO-120 or FO-150 feeding, like the inhibition of Hmgcr and activation of Cyp7a1 . Furthermore, FO-120 or FO-150 increased hepatic eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid production and favorably improved hepatic redox status. Overall, the hypocholesterolemic effects may be attributed to their high levels of α-linolenic acid and polyphenols, linked closely to regulating cholesterol metabolism, promoting highly-unsaturated fatty acids synthesis, and reducing oxidative stress.

Effect of Long-term Supplementation With Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores

Marine omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3) supplements have been used to treat depression but their ability to prevent depression in the general adult population is unknown. To test effects of omega-3 supplementation on late-life depression risk and mood scores. A total of 18 353 adults participated in the VITAL-DEP (Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial-Depression Endpoint Prevention) ancillary study to VITAL, a randomized trial of cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention among 25 871 US adults. There were 16 657 at risk of incident depression (no previous depression) and 1696 at risk of recurrent depression (previous depression, but not for the past 2 years). Randomization occurred from November 2011 through March 2014; randomized treatment ended on December 31, 2017. Randomized 2 × 2 factorial assignment to vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d), marine omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/d of fish oil, including 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg of docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo; 9171 were randomized to omega-3 and 9182 were randomized to matching placebo. Prespecified coprimary outcomes were risk of depression or clinically relevant depressive symptoms (total of incident + recurrent cases); mean difference in mood score (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8] depression scale). Among 18 353 participants who were randomized (mean age, 67.5 [SD, 7.1] years; 49.2% women), 90.3% completed the trial (93.5% among those alive at the end of the trial); the median treatment duration was 5.3 years. The test for interaction between the omega-3 and the vitamin D agents was not significant (P for interaction = .14). Depression risk was significantly higher comparing omega-3 (651 events, 13.9 per 1000 person-years) with placebo (583 events, 12.3 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26; P = .03). No significant differences were observed comparing omega-3 with placebo groups in longitudinal mood scores: the mean difference in change in PHQ-8 score was 0.03 points (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.07; P = .19). Regarding serious and common adverse events, the respective prevalence values in omega-3 vs placebo groups were major cardiovascular events (2.7% vs 2.9%), all-cause mortality (3.3% vs 3.1%), suicide (0.02% vs 0.01%), gastrointestinal bleeding (2.6% vs 2.7%), easy bruising (24.8% vs 25.1%), and stomach upset or pain (35.2% vs 35.1%). Among adults aged 50 years or older without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline, treatment with omega-3 supplements compared with placebo yielded mixed results, with a small but statistically significant increase in risk of depression or clinically relevant depressive symptoms but no difference in mood scores, over a median follow-up of 5.3 years. These findings do not support the use of omega-3 supplements in adults to prevent depression. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01696435 and NCT01169259.

The immunomodulatory effects of long-term supplementation with Lactobacillus casei Shirota depend on ovalbumin presentation in BALB/c mice

Immunomodulation is an ability of several particular probiotics. However, it still remains unclear whether the immunomodulatory effects of specific probiotics vary for different antigen presentation models with the same antigen. To investigate this matter, six groups of BALB/c mice (n = 10) were exposed to one of two antigen presentation models: ovalbumin (OVA) by injection alone, or injection plus intranasal administration. Moreover, the mice were fed distilled water or Lactobacillus casei Shirota fermented beverage (LcSFB) at low (2.5 × 109 CFU/kg body weight) or high doses (5 × 109 CFU/kg body weight) by gavage for 8 weeks. LcSFB enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes, production of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)-G and IgA, and the ratio of T-helper (Th)-2/Th1 cytokines in mice injected with OVA. Conversely, in the mice treated with OVA by injection plus intranasal administration, LcSFB attenuated the immune responses against OVA by reducing the proliferation of splenocytes, levels of OVA-specific IgE, IgG, and IgM, and ratio of Th2/Th1 cytokines. Moreover, LcSFB increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in the injection plus intranasal administration group. Taken together, this work indicates the immunoregulatory effects of LcSFB depend on how the antigen is presented. Therefore, the use of probiotics to boost the immune system must be carefully considered.

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Different Levels of Tannins Extract on Meat Quality and Carcass Traits of Hairy Lambs

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Different Levels of Tannins Extract on Meat Quality and Carcass Traits of Hairy Lambs

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Brown Seaweeds and Polyphenols in Rabbit on Meat Quality Parameters

Simple SummarySafe and natural feed supplement are required to enhance animal health and welfare, answering to the agri-food system and consumers’ needs. The research for sustainable feed additives for enhancing rabbit health and meat quality parameters are needed. Plants received considerable consideration as safe feed supplements in animal nutrition. Recent studies indicated that seaweed can be considered a sustainable dietary supplement that improve animals’ health and meat quality parameters. Moreover, plant polyphenols have been studied as antioxidants and cholesterol-lowering agents in meat. No data on the effects of long term dietary supplementation of a mixture composed of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols has been available. For this reason, we decided to test the effects of dietary natural supplements in rabbits, based on performance and meat quality parameters.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dam and offspring dietary supplementation with a natural feed additive on the growth performance and meat quality parameters of growing rabbits. The growing rabbits are selected from lactating does receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (SP1) and 0.6% (SP2) of feed additive containing brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts. In the postweaning phase, the growing rabbits remained in the treatment group defined by their does and the trial lasted 42 days. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved in the rabbit fed 0.6% of the natural feed additive. The cholesterol content tended to be lower in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle and decrease in Semimembranosus (SM) muscle (in SP2 −41.36% than controls). The α tocopherol and retinol content were enhanced in both muscles of rabbit fed the natural mixture (SP1 and SP2 groups). An improvement of sensory attributes of texture was observed in both muscles from rabbit fed natural mixture. In conclusion, long term supplementation of both lactating does and offspring with the high dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols improves growth performance and enhances meat nutritional and sensory parameters.

Cognitive improvements in a rat model with polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA through α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

ABSTRACT The α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) is a recognized target for the treatment of dementia associated with aging and certain developmental disorders. This study evaluates memory improvement in a rat model by the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA mediated by α7-nAChR, as well as identifying the minimum dose of EPA/DHA required to generate an effect in the improvement of cognition through α7-nAChR in rats. The modified Y-maze and object recognition behavioral tests were performed in scopolamine-induced amnesic rats, in order to study the effects of long-term supplementation (10, 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) of the two polyunsaturated fatty acids in improving cognitive impairment. Cognitive enhancement by EPA and DHA is mediated through α7-nAChRs, as evidenced by memory recovery after treatment with a selective α7-nAChR antagonist, methyllycaconitine (MLA). Tacrine, a centrally active acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and PNU282987, an α7-nAChR agonist, are employed as reference standards. Our data demonstrate that 15 mg/kg EPA and DHA can affect cholinergic neurotransmission positively through memory and cognition and, thus, can exert a beneficial action on learning and memory deficits.

Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Aluminum or Selenium on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Mouse Brain and Liver

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) or selenium (Se) on the “primary” antioxidant defense system enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) in cells of mouse brain and liver after long-term (8-week) exposure to drinking water supplemented with AlCl3 (50 mg or 100 mg Al/L in drinking water) or Na2SeO3 (0.2 mg or 0.4 mg Se/L in drinking water). Results have shown that a high dose of Se increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in mouse brain and liver. Exposure to a low dose of Se resulted in an increase in catalase activity in mouse brain, but did not show any statistically significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity in both organs. Meanwhile, the administration of both doses of Al caused no changes in activities of these enzymes in mouse brain and liver. The greatest sensitivity to the effect of Al or Se was exhibited by glutathione reductase. Exposure to both doses of Al or Se resulted in statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in both brain and liver. It was concluded that 8-week exposure to Se caused a statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in mouse brain and/or liver, however, these changes were dependent on the used dose. The exposure to both Al doses caused a statistically significant increase only in glutathione reductase activity of both organs.

Effects of thylakoid intake on appetite and weight loss: a systematic review.

Previous studies have shown thylakoids, the membrane proteins which are extracted from green leaves like spinach, can induce satiety through homeostatic and non-homeostatic pathways. In this study, we reviewed the current human literature on thylakoids' characteristics and their relationship to satiety regulation and weight loss. A systematic search of literature published between January 1990 and May 2019 was conducted on the electronic databases; including WEB OF SCIENCE, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. We included all clinical trials that addressed the effects of thylakoids or chloroplast intake on satiety and weight loss. After excluding non-human studies, non-RCTs, duplications, studies with irrelevant data and interventions, eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies supported this hypothesis that thylakoids reduce the feeling of hunger by increasing postprandial cholecystokinin and leptin and decreasing serum ghrelin, but the consequences of thylakoid intake on anthropometric characteristics were controversial. In conclusion, our results may approve this postulation that receiving a thylakoid-enriched meal can decrease appetite and probably food intake in short term; however, more studies are needed to explore the effects of long term supplementation with thylakoids on weight loss in human subjects.

Iron supplementation in preterm and low-birth-weight infants: a systematic review of intervention studies.

ContextEnteral iron supplementation in preterm infants is recommended to supply sufficient iron for growth and development without increasing the risk of iron overload. However, the current recommendations date from 2010 and are based on limited evidence.ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of enteral iron supplementation on iron status, growth, neurological development, and adverse clinical outcomes in preterm (<37 weeks’ gestation) and low-birth-weight (LBW, <2500 g) infants.Data sourcesThe PubMed/Medline and Cochrane Library databases were searched to 31 October 2018.Data extractionOf the 684 records identified, 27 articles, describing 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) plus 4 nonrandomized interventions, were included. Using the Cochrane Collaboration’s criteria, study quality was found to be poor to fair overall.ResultsMost articles (23/27) reported iron status indices; supplementation for ≥8 weeks resulted in increased hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations and a reduction in iron deficiency and anemia. No article reported on iron overload. Growth-related parameters reported in 12 articles were not affected by supplementation. Among the 7 articles on neurological development, a positive effect on behavior at 3.5 and 7 years was observed in one Swedish RCT. No association was found between supplementation and adverse clinical outcomes in the 9 articles reporting on studies in which such data was collected.ConclusionsLong-term iron supplementation appears to result in improved iron status and a reduction in iron deficiency and anemia in preterm and LBW infants. However, high-quality evidence regarding the long-term effects of supplementation on functional health outcomes is lacking. Iron overload has largely been ignored. Well-designed, long-term, dose-response RCTs are required to ascertain the optimal dose and delivery method for the provision of dietary iron in preterm infants, with consideration of short- and long-term health effects.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO registration no. CRD42018085214.

Effects of long-term supplementation with amino acid-complexed manganese on performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry and organ histopathology in laying hens

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-term dietary supplementation of amino acid-complexed manganese (Mn) on production performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry and organ histopathology in laying hens. A total of 756 Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 7 dietary groups with 6 replicates. Each replicate contained 18 birds. Layers were fed a basal diet (Mn, 21.95 mg/kg) or the basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 80, 120, 400 or 800 mg/kg Mn in amino acid-complexed form, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 24 wks. Compared with the basal diet (control), dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn increased egg production and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 1–12 and 1–24 wk (P < 0.05). Manganese supplementation at 40 mg/kg increased egg production (1–12, 13–24 and 1–24 wk), egg mass (13–24 and 1–24 wk), and decreased FCR (13–24 and 1–24 wk, P < 0.05). Higher values of eggshell breaking strength were observed in dietary Mn addition ≥20 mg/kg treatments (P < 0.05) at different sampling time points, and they occurred in 40 mg/kg more frequently than any other Mn supplementation level. Dietary supplementation of 40 or 80 mg/kg Mn increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in serum (P < 0.05), but this benefit diminished when the inclusion exceeded 120 mg/kg. Besides, higher values of white blood cell (WBC), platelet and creatinine occurred in 400 and 800 mg/kg Mn addition groups (P < 0.05), accompanied with local inflammation of kidney tissues. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Mn can improve productive performance, eggshell breaking strength and redox status, at a level of 40 mg/kg from Mn-amino acid complexes, and overdose of Mn supplementation (≥ 400 mg/kg) would cause detrimental effects to Hy-Line Brown laying hens.

Skin Lightening Effect of the Dietary Intake of Citrus Peel Extract Against UV-Induced Pigmentation

Recent studies revealed that citrus peel has beneficial effects in various disorders associated with nitric oxide and/or oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of Jeju citrus ( Citrus unshiu) peel using various in vitro and in vivo methods. First, the inhibitory effect of citrus peel extract (CPE) on enzymatic activity of tyrosinase was evaluated. Tyrosinase activity was dose-dependently decreased by CPE. Second, the effect of CPE on melanogenesis was determined by measuring the melanin content in melan-a cells. The inhibitory effect of CPE on melanin synthesis was greater than that of vitamin C. Finally, the effect of long-term supplementation with CPE on ultraviolet B-induced skin pigmentation was examined in guinea pigs. Administration of CPE improved Δ L-value compared with the nontreated ultraviolet control group. As a strong inhibitor of melanogenesis, CPE could be used as a depigmentation agent and a supplement for skin lightening.

Effects of saccharin supplementation on body weight, sweet receptor mRNA expression and appetite signals regulation in post-weanling rats

Non-nutritive sweeteners have been considered to promote diet healthfulness by delivering a pleasant sweet taste without calories. We investigated the effects of long term supplementation with drinks containing saccharin on body weight and possible mechanisms of the effects in post-weanling rats. Our results showed that saccharin solution intake increased food intake and energy intake in male rats. In males, saccharin solution intake increased TIR3 mRNA expression in the taste buds and ghrelin receptor mRNA expression both in the taste buds and hypothalamus, whereas no effects were observed in females. These results suggest the effects of saccharin solution exposure on food intake and body weight gain may be different in developmental males and females. In males, peripheral sweet taste receptors and both peripheral and central ghrelin receptors may be involved in the effect of saccharin solution intake to promote food intake and weight gain.

Randomised controlled trial of the effect of long-term selenium supplementation on plasma cholesterol in an elderly Danish population.

Although cross-sectional studies have shown a positive association between Se and cholesterol concentrations, a recent randomised controlled trial in 501 elderly UK individuals of relatively low-Se status found that Se supplementation for 6 months lowered total plasma cholesterol. The Danish PRECISE (PREvention of Cancer by Intervention with Selenium) pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01819649) was a 5-year randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with four groups (allocation ratio 1:1:1:1). Men and women aged 60-74 years (n 491) were randomised to 100 (n 124), 200 (n 122) or 300 (n 119) μg Se-enriched yeast or matching placebo-yeast tablets (n 126) daily for 5 years. A total of 468 participants continued the study for 6 months and 361 participants, equally distributed across treatment groups, continued for 5 years. Plasma samples were analysed for total and HDL-cholesterol and for total Se concentrations at baseline, 6 months and 5 years. The effect of different doses of Se supplementation on plasma lipid and Se concentrations was estimated by using linear mixed models. Plasma Se concentration increased significantly and dose-dependently in the intervention groups after 6 months and 5 years. Total cholesterol decreased significantly both in the intervention groups and in the placebo group after 6 months and 5 years, with small and nonsignificant differences in changes in plasma concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and total:HDL-cholesterol ratio between intervention and placebo groups. The effect of long-term supplementation with Se on plasma cholesterol concentrations or its sub-fractions did not differ significantly from placebo in this elderly population.

Effect of long-term supplementation with folic acid and B vitamins on risk of depression in older women.

Homocysteine-lowering nutrients may have preventive/ameliorative roles in depression. To test whether long-term B-vitamin/folate supplementation reduces depression risk. Participants were 4331 women (mean age 63.6 years), without prior depression, from the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study - a randomised controlled trial of cardiovascular disease prevention among 5442 women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a combination of folic acid (2.5 mg/d), vitamin B6 (50 mg/d) and vitamin B12 (1 mg/d) or a matching placebo. Average treatment duration was 7 years. The outcome was incident depression, defined as self-reported physician/clinician-diagnosed depression or clinically significant depressive symptoms. There were 524 incident cases. There was no difference between active v. placebo groups in depression risk (adjusted relative risk 1.02, 95% CI 0.86-1.21, P = 0.81), despite significant homocysteine level reduction. Long-term, high-dose, daily supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 did not reduce overall depression risk in mid-life and older women.

Effect of long term supplementation of active garlic allicin in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive subjects

Background: Researchers all over the world have independently shown the effect of allicin in reducing blood pressure depends on its extraction and concentration. Among the active constituents in garlic, the principal component is allicin. It is not present in the intact garlic clove but is produced together with pyruvate and ammonia from the odourless precursor alliin (S-allyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) in the presence of the enzyme alliinase; Allin and allinase are found in different compartments of the garlic clove and are brought into contact to produce allicin only by cutting or crushing the clove. If garlic is processed and extracted, using oil, the activity of the sulphur compounds is sealed which could not be readily used by the body. Study aim to use pure raw and active form of sulphur from garlic and observe the effect of associated allicin on hypertensive subjects . Methods: Extracted active sulphur chemicals and allicin from garlic by crushing fresh garlic cloves using water as extracting medium. Raw crushed 25 gm. garlic clove with water was given twice daily to 100 hypertensive subjects, 60 males and 40 females of 30-55 years of age for the period of six months. Health records of each subjects was individually maintained. Blood pressure was measured initially, after three months and finally after six months. Statistically comparison was made between initial, three months and six months blood pressure data of the subjects . Results: This simple extraction method produce allicin yield of 100%, which reduced up to 10% (5mmHg) systolic and diastolic Blood pressure in subjects who were supplemented with garlic–allicin paste . Conclusions: Extraction quality and activity of allicin is dependent of mode of processing and extraction medium. Garlic is a basic food that augments the body health and lowers blood pressure as well as blood cholesterol. Garlic is an ideal herb for several cardiovascular supplements. It would be of value to further examine these effects of allicin in humans with hypertension. Future research will enable in vivo measurement of allicin and its pharmacological properties; physiological effects and mechanisms of action should be investigated further.

Effects of long term supplementation of anabolic androgen steroids on human skeletal muscle.

The effects of long-term (over several years) anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) administration on human skeletal muscle are still unclear. In this study, seventeen strength training athletes were recruited and individually interviewed regarding self-administration of banned substances. Ten subjects admitted having taken AAS or AAS derivatives for the past 5 to 15 years (Doped) and the dosage and type of banned substances were recorded. The remaining seven subjects testified to having never used any banned substances (Clean). For all subjects, maximal muscle strength and body composition were tested, and biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained. Using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry (IHC), muscle biopsies were evaluated for morphology including fiber type composition, fiber size, capillary variables and myonuclei. Compared with the Clean athletes, the Doped athletes had significantly higher lean leg mass, capillary per fibre and myonuclei per fiber. In contrast, the Doped athletes had significantly lower absolute value in maximal squat force and relative values in maximal squat force (relative to lean body mass, to lean leg mass and to muscle fiber area). Using multivariate statistics, an orthogonal projection of latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model was established, in which the maximal squat force relative to muscle mass and the maximal squat force relative to fiber area, together with capillary density and nuclei density were the most important variables for separating Doped from the Clean athletes (regression = 0.93 and prediction = 0.92, p<0.0001). In Doped athletes, AAS dose-dependent increases were observed in lean body mass, muscle fiber area, capillary density and myonuclei density. In conclusion, long term AAS supplementation led to increases in lean leg mass, muscle fiber size and a parallel improvement in muscle strength, and all were dose-dependent. Administration of AAS may induce sustained morphological changes in human skeletal muscle, leading to physical performance enhancement.

Anti-fatigue Effects Of Long-term Supplementation With Soy Protein Bar In College Sports Teams

Anti-fatigue Effects Of Long-term Supplementation With Soy Protein Bar In College Sports Teams